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What is Pediatric Intrahepatic Cholestasis Liver Diseases?

Bile is a liquid produced in the liver that helps remove toxins from the body. It also helps break down the fat in food so it can be processed by the intestines. Any condition that completely blocks the flow of bile from the liver or causes the bile flow to be slower than normal is called cholestasis. Intrahepatic cholestasis means that the cause of the problem started inside the liver.

If your child has intrahepatic cholestasis, three things happen:

Bile is not released properly, so it builds up in the liver and damages the organ.

Bile is not released into the bloodstream to help remove toxins, so waste builds up there.

Bile is not available to help break down fats, so the body cannot correctly absorb necessary nutrients.

Eventually, intrahepatic cholestasis can lead to liver disease.

What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Intrahepatic Cholestasis Liver Diseases?

Babies with intrahepatic cholestasis will show symptoms within two weeks of birth, including: